SNAP Cuts Impact Seniors, Meals on Wheels People Can Fill in Gaps

Cuts that go into effect today to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be felt by low-income seniors in the greater metropolitan area. Many of these seniors are unaware that they can access healthy, nutritious meals at neighborhood Meals on Wheels People dining centers.

Meals are available to anyone age 60 or older in Multnomah, Washington and Clark counties, regardless of income, and are served at 34 different locations. Each site offers a choice of entrée and many also serve homemade soup or offer a salad bar. The suggested donation is $3, but no one is turned away.

“In our most recent client survey, we learned that as many as 25 percent of the seniors we serve live at or below poverty,” said Joan Smith, Meals on Wheels People executive director. “We know many of them struggle to make ends meet and we are there to provide healthy, fresh meals to any senior who wishes to join us.”

Meals are served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meals on Wheels delivery is available to homebound seniors. For a complete list of dining room locations, or to register for Meals on Wheels, visit mealsonwheelspeople.org or call 503.736.6325.

Additional support for seniors is also available through community agencies. For help in connecting to them, please contact the information and assistance hotlines:
 Clark County: Clark County, Information & Assistance Program, 360-694-8144 or www.helpingelders.org
 Oregon: Oregon, Aging and Disability Resource Connection, 503-988-3646 or adrcoforegon.org

About Meals on Wheels People: Since 1970 the Meals on Wheels People has provided a nutritional and social lifeline for seniors through 34 meal sites in Multnomah, Washington and Clark counties and Meals on Wheels delivery to homebound seniors. With the help of 8,500 volunteers, the nonprofit organization now serves 5,000 meals daily and 1 million meals each year. Visit: mealsonwheelspeople.org.